U.S. Army Enlisted Ranks

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Looking for enlisted Army rankings? We’ve organized the U.S. Army ranks structure from highest to lowest.

At the top you’ll find Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) including Sergeant Major of the Army, Command Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Master Sergeant, Sergeant First Class.

Below them are Non-Commissioned Officers. These include Staff Sergeant, Sergeant and Corporal.

Finally, at the bottom of the Army ranks are Junior Enlisted Soldiers. They are ranked as Army Specialist, Private First Class, Private 2nd Class and finally Privates at the bottom.

Editor’s Note: Want to see who ranks above non-commissioned officers? See the complete list of big dog General Officers here: U.S. Army Officer Ranks

Pay Grade

Insignia

Title

Abbreviation

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers

E-9

Sergeant Major of the Army

SMA

E-9

Command Sergeant Major

CSM

E-9

Sergeant Major

SGM

E-8

First Sergeant

1SG

E-8

Master Sergeant

MSG

E-7

Sergent First Class

SFC

Non-Commissioned Officers

E-6

Staff Sergeant

SSG

E-5

Sergeant

SGT

E-4

Corporal

CPL

Junior Enlisted

E-4

Specialist

SPC

E-3

Private First Class

PFC

E-2

Private

PV2

E-1

N/A

Private

PV1

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers

Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9S)

The Sergeant Major of the Army is a non-commissioned position with an E-9S pay grade. Based on recent data, the SMA earns around $7,894.50 per month in base pay.

There can only be one SMA at a time and they are the highest ranking enlisted member of the Army. An SMA spends most of his time working with the Chief of Staff of the Army as an advisor.

The SMA is considered to be the primary advocate for enlisted soldiers. If you are passionate about improving the wellbeing of your fellow soldiers today and into the future, this could be a great role for you.

Command Sergeant Major (E-9)

The Command Sergeant Major (CSM) is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with at least ten years of experience. They act as a assistants to officers at the brigade level.

The CSM is also responsible for the care of their unit’s guidon (flag). Before earning a promotion to this rank a First Sergeant must must pass the SSD-5 test.

Brigade: 3,000-5,000 Soldiers

Commanding Officer: Brigadier General

Assistant: Command Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major (E-9)

A Sergeant Major is very similar to the a Command Sergeant Major, however they have a smaller leadership role. An SM acts as an assistant to officers of a battalion. Under new requirements, a First Sergeants must pass the SSD-5 test to qualify for a promotion to Sergeant Major.

Battalion: 300-1,000 Soldiers

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel

Assistant: Sergeant Major

First Sergeant (E-8)

A First Sergeant is a senior non-commissioned officer in a company sized unit (60 to 190 Soldiers). Thanks to their seniority and important duties within the company they have many nicknames. These include “Top Sergeant,” “Topkick” and “First Shirt.”

You can think of a First Sergeant as the father of the unit as they help lead, train and discipline all enlisted soldiers. A 1SG must manage all of the day-to-day responsibilities of running a company sized unit.

Master Sergeant (E-8)

A Master Sergeant is an NCO similar to a First Sergeant. However, they have different responsibilities.

For instance, a Master Sergeant is in charge of making sure the company runs smoothly, often times behind the scenes. You could say they handle the operational side of things, where as a First Sergeant primarily manages personnel. To qualify for promotion as a Master Sergeant, soldiers must pass the SSD-4 test.

Sergeant First Class (Platoon Sergeant) (E-7)

When you become a Sergeant First Class you are in charge of tactical operations, logistics and act as the senior tactical advisor to the platoon leader. SFCs can lead up to 40 soldiers in a rifle platoon or 18 soldiers in an armor platoon.

Getting promoted to Sergeant First Class is more difficult than you may have experienced in the lower Army ranks. This position is selected by a centralized promotion board. Among other requirements, SFCs must pass the SSD-3 test (Structured Self Development Course).

Non-Commissioned Officers

Staff Sergeant (E-6)

Getting promoted to Staff Sergeant requires substantial dedication and leadership skills. At a minimum Sergeants need 72 months (6 years) of service and 10 months within the E-5 pay grade. They must also have a passing APFT score, weapons qualification, complete SSD-1, complete an NCO education course and pass the promotion board.

Sergeant (E-5)

Sergeants are required to have 36 months of service and 8 months as an E-4. You will also need a passing APFT score, weapons qualification and meet height and weight requirements.

Corporal (E-4)

A Corporal is a leader of enlisted soldiers. Before they can get promoted they must display superior leadership qualities. Their job includes leading fire teams and carrying out missions in the field.

Junior Enlisted Ranks

Army Specialist (E-4)

You can get promoted to an Army Specialist automatically if you meet a few criteria. First you must have served 24 months in the Army. Next, you’ll need at least 6 months within the E-3 pay grade, also called “time in grade” (TIMIG).

Private First Class (E-3)

You’ll move up to Private First Class after 12 months of service and spending 4 months within the E-2 pay grade.

Private 2nd Class (E-2)

In as little as six months you will be promoted from Private (E-1) to Private Second Class (E-2).

Private (E-1)

A Private (E-1) is the lowest position in the U.S. Army ranks. How long will it take you to move up the ranks? Well, after you enlist you will be automatically promoted based on your time served. You can expect to move up to the next position after 6 months of service.

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